2 store employees arrested for allegedly stealing over $10K in goods

FORREST CITY, AR (KAIT) – Police arrested 2 employees of Forrest City Grocery Company for allegedly stealing over $10, 000 with of tobacco products from the store's warehouse.

According to police, Danishio Lamont Willis, 29, of Widener, and Hughey Ray Brooks, Jr, 24, of Forrest City, were arrested in suspicion of stealing from their place of work Monday.

"I want to commend the Criminal Investigation Division for their progress on this embezzlement case. FCPD assists our local businesses in embezzlement cases to assist the businesses in deterring embezzlements from their business and recovering the missing property," explained Police Chief E. P. Reynolds. "Sometimes an embezzlement case can destroy a business forcing them to close their doors and fire employees. We do our best to protect them from unnecessary losses so our citizens have places to work."

Both men were charged with theft of property of $5,000.

Brooks was also charged with theft of property under $500 in connection with a previous theft at Wal-Mart (another former employer) where he allegedly stole $586 worth of items on February 28.

Willis was also charged with an outstanding misdemeanor warrant for failure to pay fines in St. Francis County District Court.

"CID is still working on this case looking into others that may have been part of the thefts and the final destination of the stolen merchandise," Reynolds said.